Inklingo

How to Say "to nurture" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alimentar

ah-lee-men-TARali.menˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'alimentar' when 'to nurture' means to provide sustenance or fuel for something, keeping it alive or active.
A close-up view of a hand carefully placing a piece of firewood onto a glowing campfire.

Examples

El carbón alimenta el fuego de la chimenea.

The coal fuels the fire in the chimney.

No alimentes rumores si no sabes la verdad.

Don't fuel rumors if you don't know the truth.

Ella alimenta su pasión por el arte leyendo cada día.

She nurtures her passion for art by reading every day.

Figurative Use

This meaning works just like in English: you can 'feed' or 'fuel' abstract things like arguments, feelings, or machines, not just living things.

cultivar

kool-tee-BARkultiˈβaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'cultivar' when 'to nurture' refers to developing or improving a skill, talent, or relationship over time.
Two friends sitting together on a bench, having a friendly conversation in a peaceful garden.

Examples

Es importante cultivar las amistades antiguas.

It is important to cultivate old friendships.

Ella siempre intenta cultivar su mente leyendo mucho.

She always tries to cultivate her mind by reading a lot.

Debemos cultivar un ambiente de respeto en la oficina.

We must foster an environment of respect in the office.

Abstract Use

Just like in English, the farming word is used metaphorically for things that need time and effort to grow, like a 'friendship' or 'patience'.

mimar

mee-MARmiˈmaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'mimar' when 'to nurture' implies taking great care of something, cherishing or pampering it, often an idea or project.
A person carefully polishing a shiny red vintage toy car with a soft cloth.

Examples

El escritor mima cada palabra de su nueva novela.

The writer cherishes every word of his new novel.

Mimo mucho mi jardín para que las flores crezcan sanas.

I take great care of my garden so the flowers grow healthy.

Es un coleccionista que mima sus libros antiguos.

He is a collector who treats his old books with great care.

Non-living things

When using 'mimar' for objects, you don't need the 'a' before the object: 'Mimo mi coche' (I dote on my car).

Confusing Sustenance with Development

Learners often confuse 'alimentar' (to feed/fuel) with 'cultivar' (to grow/develop). Remember that 'alimentar' is about providing basic support, while 'cultivar' is about actively improving or expanding something.

Related Translations

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